The ASDA exhibition is held for the eighth time in Croatia and the first time in Zagreb, under the auspices of the Government of the Republic of Croatia and with support of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Croatia, organized by the American company TNT Production LLC, which specializes in organizing trade fair events.

ASDA was officially opened by the envoy of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić. In his address, he emphasized the importance of this event, saying that this is not only an opportunity to present the latest technologies, but also to strengthen international cooperation in the field of the defence industry.

Leopard tank for the first time in Croatia; soon to be part of the Croatian Army

“Nowadays, the defence industry is becoming a hot topic. In the past two or three years, Europe and the world have begun to think about security and preparation for current potential threats. So we will see new technologies here, new armament, and we will also see what the Croatian Army has, as well as the equipment that will soon be in the arsenal of the CAF,” the Minister said. He also emphasized that at this year’s edition of ASDA, among other things, the Leopard tank and the HIMARS self-propelled missile system can be seen.

“This is the first time that a Leopard tank is in Croatia, which the Croatian Army will soon have in its structure. The Croatian Armed Forces and the Croatian Government are negotiating with Germany regarding the procurement of up to 50 pieces of these tanks, which should arrive in Croatia in the year 2028. At this moment, negotiations are also underway to deliver replacement Leopard tanks, which the CAF will use for training until the arrival of new ones, which are under negotiation. The arrival of replacement training tanks, about ten of them, is expected this year,” the Minister said.

Anušić: By the year 2030 Croatia plans to reach 3 percent of the GDP for defence

Minister Anušić emphasized that Croatia is actively working on development of its defence industry, with the aim of achieving greater sustainability and independence in the production of equipment and weapons for its own armed forces, and continues to strengthen cooperation in areas in which it will not be able to produce its own products.

“Croatia is working intensively on development of its defence industry, and is negotiating further cooperation with its allies in order to improve our and their defence industries,” he said, emphasizing that this year Croatia has reached 2% of the total amount of GDP for defence and is continuing in that direction. “By the year 2027, we plan to reach 2.5%, and by the year 2030, 3.0% of the total amount for defence,” he said.

The Minister estimated that ASDA offers great opportunities for Croatian companies. “I see a huge opportunity for our defence industry, which has knowledge and experience from the Homeland War, which it can apply in the future and in cooperation with other companies from other countries. That is why I hope that this will be a successful exhibition, that we will have successful bilateral meetings and successful contracts and agreements that will result from this ASDA.”

In closing, Minister Anušić thanked everyone for coming, the exhibitors and guests, and especially Justin Webb and the organizing company TNT Production.

Justin Webb: I thank the companies and exhibitors; without you all this event would not be possible

Justin Webb, representative of the organizing company TNT Production, thanked all the present guests and partners who contributed to success of this prestigious event. He thanked the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Croatia for its continuous and crucial support, which made it possible to hold the exhibition, as well as all the organizations that contributed, the City of Zagreb and the employees of Arena Zagreb for their logistical support and help in organizing the exhibition.

“I express my special gratitude to the companies and exhibitors who have been with us for who knows what time. Your support is priceless. Without all of you, this event would not be possible. I want to express my heartfelt appreciation,” he said.

At this year’s ASDA: 236 exhibitors from 28 countries; 48 Croatian exhibitors

This year’s exhibition is attended by 236 exhibitors from 28 countries, including 48 Croatian exhibitors. The exhibition is held with the aim of presenting achievements of the military industry and supporting the international affirmation of Croatian manufacturers of the defence industry. ASDA is the largest exhibition of military equipment and weapons in this region, which has become traditional and thus is included in the calendar of international military exhibitions in the world and has become part of the Croatian defence brand.
ASDA provides for international affirmation of the Croatian defence industry manufacturers. It is an opportunity for business meetings with the leading manufacturers of weapons and military equipment, as well as for presentation of the latest achievements of the Croatian military industry.

The opening ceremony, in addition to Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić and a representative of the organizing company TNT Production Justin Webb, was also attended by the Chief of the CAF General Staff LTG Tihomir Kundid, the envoy of the Speaker of the Croatian Parliament Josip Đakić, the special advisor to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia for Defence Affairs Damir Krstičević, the envoy of the President of the Republic of Croatia, Defence Advisor Ivica Olujić, the Minister of Health Irena Hrstić, and other guests, ambassadors, representatives of the military forces and numerous exhibitors.

Objava Anušić at opening of ASDA: Croatia is working intensively on development of the defence industry pojavila se prvi puta na MORH.

At the conference, director of TNT Productions LLC Justin Webb, Director of the CAF General Staff Major General Denis Tretinjak, and Ivica Grebenar as a person authorized to perform the duties of Director of the MOD’s Armament Directorate presented the key information regarding this year’s ASDA.

The exhibition is organized by the U.S. company TNT Productions LLC and is held under the auspices of the Croatian Government and with the support of the Croatian Ministry of Defense.

Ivica Grebenar said that 236 exhibitors from 28 countries and 32 official foreign delegations announced their participation in this year’s ASDA exhibition, including 48 Croatian exhibitors. “The ASDA exhibition aims to present the latest achievements of domestic and foreign defense industry manufacturers,” he said, adding that the exhibition is a great opportunity for Croatian companies to present their achievements in their home country, but also in an international environment.

Grebenar also thanked TNT Productions for the long-term successful cooperation and support to this year’s ASDA, which is also provided by the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, the City of Zagreb, and the Croatian Chamber of Commerce.

Major General Denis Tretinjak said that the ASDA exhibition will showcase the latest achievements, products, and developments in the defense industry, which is relevant to the Croatian Armed Forces in the context of their capability development. General Tretinjak added that the CAF members and equipment will also be engaged to provide various forms of support to ASDA. He emphasized that during the exhibition in Zagreb, the FINABEL conference of the European Land Force Commanders will also be held.

The director of TNT Productions expressed his gratitude to the Croatian Ministry of Defense and the Croatian Armed Forces for their support. He said that next week the first ASDA exhibition will be held in Zagreb. The previous six exhibitions were held in Split and one in Zadar. He expressed his satisfaction with the large number of exhibitors saying that this year’s ASDA will be the largest exhibition so far.
Meetings between foreign delegations and company representatives will also be held as part of the exhibition. On April 10, 2025, the exhibition will be open to the public. This will be an opportunity for the Ministry of Defense to promote the military profession and improve technical awareness in Croatia.

In the outdoor exhibition area, visitors will be able to see a display of tactical and technical equipment of the Croatian Armed Forces and the U.S. Armed Forces, as well as larger systems presented by some exhibitors. It was also announced that the Bradley infantry fighting vehicle, the Leopard 2 tank, the HIMARS and the MLRS self-propelled multiple rocket launchers HIMARS and MLRS will be displayed around the Arena.

Objava This year’s ASDA will be the largest exhibition so far pojavila se prvi puta na MORH.